-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The winner of the 82nd annual Scripps National Spelling Bee said Friday she is `` pretty excited '' but a little tired .

Kavya Shivashankar of Olathe , Kansas , reacts to winning the Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday night .

`` This has been my dream for so long ; I 've always wanted to win the bee , '' Kavya Shivashankar , 13 , of Olathe , Kansas , told CNN . `` I was just really excited when I was able to go up and spell the last word . ''

The eighth-grader won $ 40,000 in cash and prizes for nailing the final word , `` Laodicean , '' which means lukewarm or indifferent , particularly in matters of politics or religion .

This year 's bee -- an event that has skyrocketed in popularity thanks to exposure on television and in movies -- started Tuesday in Washington with a record 293 spellers . Kavya endured 15 rounds .

In an event that has seen contestants crack under the strain of the national spotlight , Kavya -- competing in her fourth national finals -- appeared composed throughout . Watch the poised winner describe the thrill ''

As she spelled words such as `` phoresy , '' `` hydrargyrum '' and `` huisache , '' she calmly went through the routine of asking each word 's pronunciation , origin and roots before ticking their spellings off for the judges .

`` I focus so much on my word ; I do n't really pay attention to all the cameras and photographers and all the media in front of me , '' she said Friday .

Kavya 's father , who is her spelling coach , would tap his foot in time as she spelled the words , and at one point he appeared so confident that he waved to someone while his daughter was in the middle of spelling a word .

Second-place finisher Tim Ruiter of Reston , Virginia , bowed out after misspelling `` Maecenas , '' meaning a generous patron of the arts .

Kavya said she would miss competing in the spelling bee , as the rules do not permit her to enter next year .

`` It was such a big part of my life , and I love doing it , '' she said . However , she may someday have a new role in the competition . `` If my -LSB- little -RSB- sister gets to D.C. sometime soon , I 'd really love to help and coach her , '' she said .

Kavya attends California Trail Junior High School in the Kansas City suburb . Her hobbies include swimming , cycling and traditional Indian dance , according to the contest 's Web site . She plans on becoming a neurosurgeon .

The first National Spelling Bee took place in 1925 , with five contestants .

CNN 's Devon Sayers contributed to this report .

@highlight

Kavya Shivashankar of Olathe , Kansas , wins in fourth trip to national finals

@highlight

The 13-year-old eighth-grader will receive $ 40,000 in cash and prizes

@highlight

Focus on task keeps cameras and media from distracting her , Kavya says

@highlight

Girl may return to scene if younger sister does well in future competitions